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Monday, 14 December 2015

Radial Nerve Palsy And Physiotherapy Treatment :

Radial nerve is most commonly injured peripheral nerve accounting for 70% of all the peripheral nerve injuries of Upper Extrimity.

Wrist drop, also known as radial nerve palsy,

it is a condition where a person cannot extend their wrist and it hangs flaccidly.

your hand hang limply so that your fingers point downward.

Cause :

radial nerve injury has a variety of possible causes:-

fracturing the humerus (a bone in the upper arm)

using crutches

falling on or receiving a blow to the arm

Saturday night syndrome

compression of the lower part of the brachial plexus

Awkward body positions: it can also put pressure on the nerve. For example, you sleep on your arm or leave it draped over the board.

Growths: Tumors or cysts (lumps) inside your wrist or arm may press against the nerve.

Symptoms :Injury to the radial nerve usually causes symptoms in the back of the hand, near the thumb, and in the index and middle fingers. Symptoms may include:

sharp or burning pain

numbness or tingling

trouble moving the wrist and fingers

analgesic or anti-inflammatory medications

anti-seizure medications or tricyclic antidepressants

steroid injection.

Pinch and grasp problems: You may not be able to bring your thumb and fingers together (pinch) to grasp objects.

Diagnosis :

X-rays: You may need x-rays to check for broken bones or foreign objects in your arm.

MRI. An MRI may be used to look at the soft tissues and blood vessels in your arm, and to check for cysts

or masses.

Electromyography and nerve conduction studies: these are tests that measure the electrical activity of your

muscles. Your muscles are tested at rest and while you are using them. An EMG test may also check the nerves that control your muscles.

Treatment :

the symptoms of wrist drop will most likely resolve spontaneously within 8–12 weeks.

Medical managment:- pain relief druds

Surgical Managment:- to repair radial nerve, Tendon transfer

Physiotherapy managment:-

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation foe pain relief

Splint or cast: You may need a splint or cast to help support your wrist and hand while the radial nerve heals. A splint or cast helps extend your fingers and wrist so you can use them as much as possible.

Physical therapy helps you with special exercises. These exercises help make your bones and muscles strong and flexible.